Final blow for Mali-France relations
Operation Barkhane started on 1 August 2014, while France will no longer operate in Mali it will continue its counterinsurgency operation in neighbouring states. (Photo: French Ministry of the Armed Forces)
The announcement on 2 May that Mali’s junta will be breaking from its defence accords with France signifies a new era in the nation, probably involving closer ties to Russia.
Mali’s junta announced on 2 May that it would be breaking from its defence accords with France, following strained relations and accusations that French forces had violated its national sovereignty.
The defence accords outlined the framework for France’s intervention in Mali. With this announcement, French and European counterinsurgency forces will no longer be able to operate in Malian territory.
Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga, a spokesman for the junta, referenced multiple instances of French forces violating the nation’s airspace and France’s decision to end joint operations with Malian forces in June 2021 as the reasons for this decision.
This announcement, particularly its reference to airspace violation,
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 1 free story per week
- Personalised news alerts
- Daily and weekly newsletters
- Free magazine subscription to all our titles
- Downloadable equipment data handbooks
- Distribution rights (Corporate only)
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
- 10-year news archive access
- Downloadable equipment data handbooks
- Distribution rights (Corporate only)
More from Defence Notes
-
![Sound and fury from Russia as super-heavy Sarmat far from ready]()
Sound and fury from Russia as super-heavy Sarmat far from ready
For all the bombastic talk from Russian President about the hitting power of the new RS-28 Sarmat 'super heavy' ICBM, observers are highly sceptical that it will enter service in 2023 as claimed.
-
![Rheinmetall eyes Hungarian digitalisation with JV]()
Rheinmetall eyes Hungarian digitalisation with JV
Rheinmetall is setting up a JV with Hungarian partners to drive armed forces digitalisation in Hungary.
-
![Should the US reassess its defence strategy?]()
Should the US reassess its defence strategy?
Even though the US has a powerful arsenal and an extensive defence budget, it has been unable to prevent the actions of Russian President Vladimir Putin and has failed to deter China’s growing territorial and maritime ambitions.
-
![Jankel branches out in Australia with Project Greyfin in mind]()
Jankel branches out in Australia with Project Greyfin in mind
A new partnership between Jankel and IDES is intended to exploit Australian market opportunities such as SOF capability modernisation under Project Greyfin (Land 1508).
-
![Indo-Pacific 2022: Leidos Australia scoops health support contract]()
Indo-Pacific 2022: Leidos Australia scoops health support contract
Leidos Australia will oversee a new system to maintain medical data for ADF personnel.
